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Thread: 535i v. late-model 525i

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    33

    Default 535i v. late-model 525i

    I've been searching for an E34 for a month or so now, and it's essentially come down to a 1991-1992 535i (found one already) or a 1994-1995 525i (would pass on the 535 and keep looking). I wanted to hear from people who own 535i's about their experiences. Are you ever jealous of things like the wide kidney grilles or (gasp) the cupholders (when did they become available?) Are your cars more or less reliable than the 525's you know about? Is the extra ~20hp noticeable? What do they have/don't they have that 525's do?

    Did BMW fix any of the electrical problems between 92 and the end of E34?

    GWAAA, I can't wait to get one of these!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Lawrence, KS
    Posts
    153

    Default

    I love my 535i. I've never driven an E34 525 so I couldnt tell you what the difference in power really feels like, but not only does the M30 have more HP its got about 40 ft.lbs more torque, which should make a significant difference. The tradeoffs are that you get worse fuel economy with the M30 and you periodically have to adjust the valves. Wide vs narrow grill is a personal decision, and I believe the 525 only had the wide grill in '95. There are plenty of decent aftermarket cupholders out there, so that is really not an issue. In the end I was faced with the same decision as you, and found the 535 simply fit what I was looking for a little bit better.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    detroit
    Posts
    957

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    hey bud, i have a 535i with a 5 speed, so its alot of fun, the 3.5 "big six" is notealbe for being reliable, and i havent noticed anything to say otherwise, i would love a wide grill, that would be really cool, but this wont be my last bmw, so im sure ill find one soon, im going for a 540 6speed when i can get the money, but between a 525i wide grill, and a 535i, well is equal, look of the 525i, torque of the 535i, i would get a 95 525i, hopefully with a 5 speed, just to get somthing new

    best to ya

    kyle

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    New York
    Posts
    1,750

    Default

    I'm currently driving an '89 535iA. last year I had a '93 525i, 5 speed. I'd have to say even though I hated giving up the stick shift (wasn't my choice. stupid trees.) I thoroughly enjoy the 535, and would take it over the '25. The whole wide vs narrow grill argument I never partook in, it doesn't really matter to me, cause waking up in the mornings and I'm like, hell, that's my freakin car in the driveway. The girlfriend is definitely jealous. Like Kyle, if I really had my take I'd go for a 6 speed 540, well, if I could really choose, an Alpina b-10 bi-turbo. But either way, it comes down to your personal feelings, so test drive them all if you can, 535ia and manual, and both 525's. See which one you like better, which one is in better shape, and enjoy!


    Quote Originally Posted by Alexlind123
    You're my hero.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    33

    Default

    Stupid trees? I lost my last car to a tree and a wind storm. God bless comprehensive. Whenever I tell people that my car got crushed by a tree, they think I'm euphamistically telling them I wrapped it around an oak or something.

    I'm optimistic about the 535. I can't wait to get a V1 for it

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Melbourne Australia
    Posts
    326

    Default

    if the 535 is a stick, i would have my decision made. you could always get a cheap runner for 12 months and ssave the insurance money, add a bit more and go the 540. i love mine... wish it was a stick, but the electronic auto 5 speed is pretty good and easy work.
    1994 540i Auto

    live fast; die sideways
    13.3 @ 104mph (not in the 540)
    15.4 @ 150 Kph in the 540 (24/9/07)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    33

    Default

    I drove a 540i-6 and I liked it, but to be honest, I don't think I need that much power yet, and getting almost an extra 10mpg isn't a bad idea these days. I also worry about the Nikasil.

    The 535 is a 5-speed, which means I'll probably never have trouble selling it. I'm not sure what you mean about saving insurance money (unless you mean by having a 535 vs 540) but where I'm from, you have to insure the car before you can even register it. It'll probably cost me $1,600/yr to insure a $6000 car.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Bethlehem, PA
    Posts
    661

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    Strange, but true: I replaced an '89 535/5sp with an '01 540/6sp. Insurance company sent me a small refund. Go figure.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Sydney, Australia
    Posts
    4,374

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    Quote Originally Posted by SRR2
    Strange, but true: I replaced an '89 535/5sp with an '01 540/6sp. Insurance company sent me a small refund. Go figure.
    With all us nutters trading up to 540s these days they'll start to see more claims. Then the premiums will rise as they like to practice race discrimination on cars (since they can't do it on us)...

    Join the Aussie
    540i LE yahoo forum

    08/88 535i e34 M30+miller MAF, 'stiens, tints & teeth!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    33

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    Goddamnit...the jerk sold the 535...again. 2nd time I've been <24hrs from buying it and he's jerked me around. What a tool. Or am I the tool? What a pain.

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